Awareness of Vasectomy Among Males​​​​​​: Understanding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers to Adoption in Family...

Introduction Vasectomy is a safe, simple, and highly effective permanent method of male contraception. Despite its advantages, its utilization remains extremely low in many low- and middle-income countries, including India, where family planning practices remain largely female-centered. Limited awareness, misconceptions regarding sexual performance, and sociocultural barriers contribute to the low acceptance of vasectomy. However, there is limited comprehensive evidence assessing the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance (AKAP) framework among men in this setting. The present study aimed to primarily assess the awareness and knowledge of vasectomy, and secondarily to evaluate attitudes, barriers, and factors influencing its acceptance as a method of family planning. Materials and methods A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B.G Nagara, Karnataka, India, over a period of three months. A total of 500 men aged 18-50 years were included using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-designed, pilot-tested structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews, covering sociodemographic characteristics, awareness and knowledge regarding vasectomy, attitudes toward the procedure, myths and misconceptions, perceived barriers, and willingness to accept vasectomy. Knowledge and attitude were assessed using composite scoring methods with predefined criteria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and associations between categorical variables were assessed using the Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results Overall awareness of vasectomy was observed in 325 (65%) participants, while adequate knowledge was present in 225 (45%). Only 191 (38%) participants demonstrated a positive attitude toward vasectomy, and willingness to undergo the procedure was reported by 100 (20%) respondents, highlighting a marked decline across the awareness-knowledge-acceptance continuum. Misconceptions were common, with many participants believing that vasectomy causes sexual weakness, impotence, or requires major surgery. Fear of surgery, concerns regarding masculinity, social stigma, and family opposition emerged as major barriers to acceptance. Health workers were identified as the most common source of information among those aware of vasectomy. Conclusions Although awareness of vasectomy was moderate, knowledge, positive attitudes, and willingness to accept the procedure were considerably lower, indicating a substantial awareness-acceptance gap. The findings underscore the influence of sociocultural factors and misinformation on male participation in family planning. Addressing misconceptions through targeted, male-focused educational interventions, community-based awareness programs, and structured counseling by healthcare providers may help improve acceptance and promote shared responsibility in family planning.